he NMMT will also be running services between Panvel and New Panvel. "We are hoping to add around 50 mini-buses in our fleet next month to ferry passengers within the node," added Tandel.
The buses to Belapur will stop Panvel railway station (East), Abyudaya Bank, Kali Mata Mandir, Shiva Complex, Adai Circle, Dharan Talao, Khandeshwar Flyover, Khanda Colony, Khanda Village, Kalmaboli and Belapur railway station. Buses to Thane will proceed from Belapur railway station through Thane-Belapur road. "The first bus for Thane from Panvel (E) will be at 5.55am while the last bus will leave Panvel at 9.20pm. The first bus from Thane will be at 7.40am while the last bus will be at 11.05pm. The first bus from Panvel to Belapur will be at 6.32am and the last one will be at 10.55pm. The first bus from Belapur to Panvel will be at 7.12am, while the last one will be at 10.15pm," he added.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) had constructed bus stops adjacent to the parking area on the New Panvel side of the Panvel railway station around six months ago, but people were awaiting the commencement of the bus service. The planning agency relaid the road along the parking area and constructed bus stops following requests of the NMMT.
"We have been hearing about the commencement of the bus service for the past several months It has now finally started much to the relief of those wishing to travel to Thane and Belapur. These services will be very helpful, especially on Sundays when the Central Railway has mega blocks," said a resident of sector 13, New Panvel, on the condition of anonymity.